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Jordaan: ‘I want to come back stronger’

Date published: February 18 2016

Sharks centre Paul Jordaan hopes make a statement when he returns to Super Rugby after he was given a 50-50 chance of putting his boots on again.

The 24-year-old broke and dislocated his hip during the 2014 Currie Cup and underwent a 17-month recovery process, before making his comeback for the Durban-based side during the 2015 Currie Cup season.

"It’s very rare [the injury] in rugby… usually you suffer that sort of injury in a car accident," Jordaan told MyPlayers.

“I was told that there was a chance that I’d never play rugby again. It was really a tough time for me."

The speedster is determined to make a statement during the 2016 Super Rugby tournament and feels confident about the work he's put in.

"I put in the hard work during my recovery and managed some game time during last year’s Currie Cup," Jordaan added.

"I wasn’t at my best then, but after a good pre-season, I feel great and confident ahead of Super Rugby. Some say you will never be at your best after a serious injury, but I’m hoping to prove that statement wrong.

"I want to come back stronger and better than I’ve ever been before.”

Jordaan also added that the Sharks’ were adamant in righting the wrongs of their Vodacom Cup, Currie Cup and Super Rugby campaigns of last year, and that the successful tour to France, with wins over Toulon and Toulouse, helped a lot with the team's spirit.

“The players were very disappointed with last year’s results, but we are determined to get the desired success this season," Jordaan stated.

"The Sharks are a major brand and we want to prove that we are one of the best teams in every competition we compete in.

"The tour to France helped the guys to gel as we did a lot of team-building activities.

“We have lost some great players after 2015, but we have the talent and experience in the squad to achieve success."